Pneumonia was the number one cause of sheep deaths in the first quarter of 2019, according to the latest regional veterinary laboratory (RVL) report.

It was followed by bacteraemia/septicaemia. Poisoning also featured in the top 10 causes of deaths so far this year.

The top 10 causes of sheep deaths for the first quarter of 2019 were:

1. Pneumonia.

2. Bacteraemia/septicaemia.

3. Encephalitis.

4. Pregnancy toxaemia.

5. Parasitic gastroenteritis.

6. Trauma.

7. Enteritis.

8. Acidosis ruminal.

9. Hypocalcaemia/milk fever.

10. Poisoning.

Meanwhile, abortion was responsible for over 80% of foetal lamb deaths in the first quarter of the year, the report revealed.

The top 10 causes of foetal death for the first quarter were:

1. Abortion: 293 lambs - 83.2%.

2. Miscellaneous causes: 29 lambs - 8.2%.

3. Perinatal mortality: 10 lambs - 2.8%.

4. Hereditary and developmental anomalies: 5 lambs - 1.4%.

5. Bacteraemia/Septicaemia: 3 lambs - 0.9%.

6. Placentitis: 3 lambs - 0.9%.

7. Mummification: 3 lambs - 0.9%.

8. Anoxia/Hypoxia: 3 lambs - 0.9%.

9. No Diagnosis: 2 lambs - 0.6%.

10. Dystocia: 1 lamb - 0.3%.